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O
WNER
'
S
M
ANUAL
F
REESTYLE
RM
A
WNING
12V
M
OTORIZED
R
OOF
M
OUNTED
B
OX
A
WNING
W
/
D
IRECT
R
ESPONSE
RV
Before operating the awning, carefully review the Owner's Manual.
The manual contains important safety information, detailed operating
instructions, common maintenance procedures and other useful
information.
Table of Contents
Operation ............................................................................................................... 2
Manual Override ............................................................................................ 4
Awning Care .......................................................................................................... 4
Fabric Care .................................................................................................... 5
Mildew ................................................................................................. 5
Pooling ................................................................................................ 5
Leaking ................................................................................................ 5
Arm Noise ...................................................................................................... 6
Adjusting the Pitch ......................................................................................... 6
Carefree Major Product Limited Warranty ........................................................... 7
Special Note: This manual provides a basic description of the product and the standard
operating controls provided by Carefree of Colorado. Some Original Equipment
Manufacturers (OEM's) may alter or change the placement, style and/or functional
configuration of the switches. If your controls do not match the style or description
included, contact the coach manufacturer for an accurate description. OEM furnished
components are not covered by the Carefree warranty.
Carefree of Colorado
2
About Carefree
From it's beginning in the early 70's, Carefree of Colorado has emerged as the
premier manufacturer of quality awnings and accessories for Recreational
Vehicles (RVs). Our full line of products can provide the accessories that match
your life style; no matter what type of RV you own. Check with your dealer to
discover the products that can make your life more Carefree.
The Carefree Freestyle RM awning is state of the art with lateral support arms that
provides strength and functionality without interfering with coach sidewalls, custom
graphics or equipment that may be mounted on the sidewalls.
When retracted, the housing provides protection against the elements while
the streamlined styling blends in with the RV sidewall and is a perfect
complement to other Carefree products.
The awnings are made with heavy duty construction including an all metal
chassis.
The Freestyle RM is uses Carefree's Direct Response
TM
system.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert individuals to
potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that
follow this symbol to avoid possible personal injury or death.
WARNING
This product can expose you to chemicals including
Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP), Vinyl Chloride and Formaldehyde, which are
known to the state of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other
reproductive harm. For more information visit www.P65warnings.ca.gov
WARNING
Risk of fire. Keep all sources of heat and
flame away from the awning canopy. Fabric is
NOT
fireproof.
NOTICE
Awnings are designed to provide shade and protection from the
sun. The effects of wind and rain on an awning are unpredictable and can cause
severe damage to the awning and/or the vehicle. If wind or extended periods of
rain are expected, roll up the awning.
NOTICE
It is recommended that if leaving the RV unattended for a
length of time, retract the awning to avoid unexpected weather conditions.
NOTICE
The Freestyle RM awning is a free-standing (self-supporting)
lightweight awning with auto retraction. Do not hang items from the
awning or use tie down devices. Use of such objects can cause serious
damage to the awning that is not covered by warranty.
NOTICE
When the awning is in the retracted (rolled up) position, shut
off the power switch to avoid accidentally extending the awning. For
safety, the power switch must be turned off before moving the RV.
Additional Cautions and Notices are included in the text for the proper operation
of the awning.
FREESTYLE RM AWNING
3
OPERATION
The Direct Response
TM
system detects awning motion caused by windy
conditions. The sensor is located in the lead rail.
The system operates by gauging the motion of the awning's front edge (lead rail).
When the motion exceeds the factory preset threshold the system retracts the
awning.
NOTICE The Carefree auto-retract system is a premier electronic auto-
retract system that provides protection against adverse elements; but no auto-
retract system is a guarantee against severe or destructive weather; the effects
of wind and rain on an awning are unpredictable and may cause severe damage
to the awning and/or vehicle. If wind or extended periods of rain are expected,
roll up the awning.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The auto-retract system is ON when the power is ON. The system is
OFF when the power switch is set to OFF. If the power is shut off while the awning is
extended, the awning is not protected by the auto-retract system.
To Operate the Awning:
Press the power switch to ON. When power is on, the Direct Response
system is active and the manual controls are active. When power is OFF, all
functions are disabled.
To
OPEN: Press and release the extend switch. The awning will open completely.
To interrupt the awning motion, press and release the extend switch again.
The awning will stop.
To
CLOSE the awning: Press and release the retract switch. The awning will
close completely. To interrupt the awning retraction, press and release the
retract switch again. The awning will stop.
When the awning is in the retracted (rolled up) position, shut off the power
switch to avoid accidentally extending the awning.
Press & Release
to Extend
On/Off
Press & Release
to Retract
LCDR005a
Carefree of Colorado
4
M
ANUAL
O
VERRIDE
If power to the vehicle is not available, the awning can be safely retracted using
the manual override located on the idler (right) end of the case.
There are two configurations of the Freestyle
RM. The original configuration is identified by
the five (5) screws in the endcap. The current
configuration has 1(one) screw in the endcap.
NOTE: This procedure cannot be used to extend the awning.
O
RIGINAL
C
ONFIGURATION
1. Remove the plug from the right
endcap and save.
2. Insert a 3/8" socket drive extension
and handle into the square drive
hole inside the end cap.
3. Turn the handle clockwise until the
awning is retracted.
4. Reinstall the plug
C
URRENT
C
ONFIGURATION
1. Remove the right outer endcap
and save.
2. Insert a 3/8" socket drive
extension and handle into the
square drive hole inside the
inner end cap.
3. Turn the handle clockwise until
the awning is retracted.
4. Reinstall the outer cap.
NOTICE After closing the awning with the manual override, the lead rail
may move out from the case 1/4" -1/2". This is normal and the awning is secure
for travel until power is restored or repairs are completed. Do not attempt to
force the lead rail in with the override, serious damage can occur to the awning.
Original Current
RMF046
RMF019a
3/8" Socket
Drive Extension
Remove
Cover
Remove Plug
RMF019
3/8" Socket
Drive Extension
FREESTYLE RM AWNING
5
AWNING CARE
Maintaining a Carefree Awning is easy. Just follow these basic steps:
Always operate the awning according to the instructions.
Periodically check that the fasteners are tight. Tighten if necessary.
Keep the awning fabric and arms clean.
F
ABRIC
C
ARE
NOTICE Do not use oil based cleaners or any caustic, granulated, or
abrasive type cleaners on your Carefree product.
1. One of the best ways to keep the fabric looking good and to delay the need
for deep or vigorous cleanings is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with
clear water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply
imbedded in the fabric. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be
needed every two to three years.
2. When it’s time for a thorough cleaning, the fabric can be cleaned while still
on the awning frame.
For Vinyl Fabric – Use a soft brush and warm water with soap.
For Acrylic Fabric – Use a stiff brush and warm water with soap.
3. When cleaning the fabric, it is important to observe the following:
Always use a natural soap, never detergent.
Water should be cold to lukewarm, never more than 100F.
Air-dry only. Never apply heat to the fabric.
Always allow the fabric to dry thoroughly before rolling up the awning.
MILDEW
Mildew is a fungus growth that looks like dirt. Vinyl coated polyester fabrics are mildew
resistant because of a chemical biocide in the vinyl coating. Under ordinary conditions,
mildew will not appear. However, in areas where high temperature and humidity are
common, mildew can be a problem and requires the material to be washed more
frequently. Thoroughly rinse the fabric and allow to air dry before retracting the awning.
POOLING
When water collects on the top of the fabric, this is known as "pooling". This can occur
during inclement weather or if a running air conditioner discharges over the awning.
The water is dumped when the awning is retracted. It is recommended that if water
accumulates; retract the awning in steps (8"-12") to dump the water. This will help
prevent the fabric from stretching or distorting.
LEAKING
On vinyl canopies, side hems and poly cords are stitched in with a sewing
machine. On occasion, this stitching may allow water to seep or leak through the
stitches. This is normal and not a defect covered by warranty. Treat the seams
with a quality seam sealer.
Carefree of Colorado
6
A
RM
N
OISE
After a period of use, the arm knuckle joints may slide together slightly making a
squeaking or squealing noise; this is normal and not a reason for concern. To reduce
the sound, apply a few drops of multi-purpose oil (3-IN-1
®
1
or equivalent) on the
knuckle joint seams. Operate the awning and repeat 3-4 times to allow the oil to
penetrate into the joint.
A
DJUSTING THE
P
ITCH
The awning opens and closes with a steep pitch. On low profile vans, the
leading edge of the awning may hit the top of the sliding door if the door is open
while extending or retracting the awning. To prevent this, the lower limit of the
pitch can be adjusted upwards.
NOTICE Use care to not raise the awning pitch to high. This can prevent
the lead rail from closing properly. If in doubt, try closing the awning, if the lead
rail does not close properly then lower the pitch.
1. Open the awning to access the adjustment screws located on the arm case
knuckles.
2. Have a second person lift up
on the lead rail to relieve the
pressure on the adjustment
screws.
3. Using a 4mm allen wrench,
loosen the top screw. Turn
the bottom adjustment screw
clockwise to raise the lead rail;
turn the adjustment screw
counterclockwise to lower the
lead rail.
4. When the pitch is set at the desired angle, tighten the top screw. Torque to 30 in-
lbs.
5. Repeat for each arm. Ensure that the lead rail is parallel with the awning
case.
NOTE: The Freestyle RM lead rail self-adjusts to accommodate the pitch. No
adjustment is required to the lead rail when the pitch is adjusted.
1
3-IN-1
®
is a registered trademark of the WD-40 company.
Loosen Top Screw when Adjusting
Tighten When Finished
Case
Knuckle
RMF038a
Lower Raise
Pitch Adjustment Screw
FREESTYLE RM AWNING
7
CAREFREE MAJOR PRODUCT LIMITED WARRANTY
Carefree of Colorado (hereafter referred to as Carefree) warrants to the first retail
Purchaser that the Carefree Product is free of defects in material and
workmanship within the terms and conditions as set forth in the warranty
statement available online at www.carefreeofcolorado.com. Carefree’s obligation
under this warranty is limited to the repair or replacement, at Carefree’s option, of
any defective component with new or factory refurbished components.
O
WNER MUST RETAIN THE ORIGINAL PROOF OF PURCHASE AND/OR HAVE THE PRODUCT
WARRANTY REGISTRATION ON FILE AT
CAREFREE FOR WARRANTY CLAIMS.
T
HIS WARRANTY IS NOT TRANSFERABLE.
For
- Warranty Duration;
- Warranty Coverage and Exclusions;
- Warranty Terms of Coverage; and,
- Warranty Claim Procedures
Refer to publication
"Carefree Major Product Limited Warranty"
available online at
www.carefreeofcolorado.com
Register your Carefree products on-line at www.carefreeofcolorado.com
Publications available on-line @ www.carefreeofcolorado.com:
070014-201 Freestyle RM Owner's Manual
070014-001 Freestyle RM Installation Manual
I
MPORTANT NOTICE: It is strongly recommended that adjustments and repairs not
described in this book be performed by trained technicians at your Authorized
Carefree Dealer. Work performed by non-authorized persons or businesses may
void warranty.
Carefree of Colorado 2145 W. 6
th
A
venue Broomfield, CO 80020
a
Scott Fetzer company
070014-001r6 Printed in USA November, 2018
/
